Hong Kong Polo Team a legacy in the making
Polo After Dark 2016 End of Season Celebration
On Thursday 24th November, HONG KONG’S FIRST EVER POLO TEAM celebrated in style, together with world-class brand partners and over 200 guests at Polo After Dark 2016 at KEE Club. The night raised a generous amount for the team’s chosen charity Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA) during a live auction staged by Macey and Sons. Dave Savage, President of Asia World Polo played host throughout the evening which marked two years of #togetherbringingpolobacktohongkong and a thrilling end to the team’s season playing across Asia.
Highlights included: Patrick Furlong (CAPT) being awarded Polo Player of the Year by the Equestrian Federation and best player HKPT 2016, followed by internationally acclaimed vocalist Tess Collins who will be launching an album with Depeche Mode in January 2017 and a debut performance from young rising star Samantha Wang who sung the classic “Feeling Good” by Nina Simone.
Key guests included: Raphael le Masne de Chermont, Chevalier Zak Allom, Lady Raven Allom, Jeanine Hsu, Rishaad Salamat, Ivan Ballesteros, Dan Wells and Gustavo Fazzari the Argentine Consul General.
Guests reveled in bespoke canapés by Executive Chef Bjoern Alexander of KEE Club, inspired by the polo team’s adventures, a favourite sweet bite being the Polo Chocolate Ball. Fine wines were provided by the Argentine Consulate. A jewel in the Chivas Crown, Royal Salute 21 year old was served in the Green Room framed by iconic art pieces showcased from Macey and Sons. Luc Belaire Rose Champagne and caviar from the Royal Caviar Club were also savoured throughout the decadent evening.
This year’s auction items included: the original polo watch Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Classic, ‘Chater Gardens’ a painting by Hong Kong artist Martin Lever and a bronze horse figurine donated by the Yung Family. Other featured items were two seven night stay’s at one of Hideaways Classic Collection Villas or Chalets, a two nights stay in a St. Regis’ suite, a dinner at Gaucho and two French handcrafted Connexion d’Art iPhone 6s. The soon to open Macau Roosevelt also generously donated guest experiences in a prize draw.
Dave Savage, President of Asia World Polo
“We have all enjoyed watching the team go from strength to strength during 2016 and have much to celebrate at this year’s Polo After Dark at KEE Club on the 24th of November. We have a fabulous line up of evening entertainment as a way to thank our loyal sponsors and supporters, and share with them our growth and success. We are proud to continue our annual Polo After Dark event with our new event host KEE Club together with our headline partners Macey and Sons, and The Macau Roosevelt, with a live auction staged by Macey and Sons with proceeds going to the Riding for the Disabled (RDA)”.
Patrick Furlong (CAPT) Hong Kong Polo Team
“I have to say we have had a great 2016 season, with a wide variety of tournaments across the region and some incredible wins. We have played really tough matches and against formidable opponents. We have elevated our level of play, becoming increasingly confident in our game and our style. Winning the Singapore Polo Open in June however was the most prestigious tournament we have played thus far.
Looking ahead at 2017, I see great potential for our team by broadening the pool of players. The additions of Andy Leung and Justin Lau, will give us more breadth and opportunity to play at the different levels. In terms of upcoming fixtures, our hosts now know that we are a strong team and we have beaten the odds, since we have always been the ‘visiting’ team and without our own horses or polo club. Despite this, it is a great motivator, knowing that it is harder for us than it is for most teams in the region. I am certainly very positive about our 2017 season, and look forward to delivering, yet again, for Hong Kong. Here’s to a great year ahead!”